ASUS Launches Essence III Preamplifier, USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier

[Frederik S]

ASUS did a good job with the design of the Essence One and if this new design indeed features those op-amps and a step attenuator it will be very very interesting.

Now all we need is the price!

 

[1d10t]

Hello!

I found this website with some detailed info about the new Asus Essence III. hit translate in Chrome

Looks like there is some volumen adjustment potentiometers on the back for XLR levels ?
and a switch that says VR bypass (Volumen bypass ?)

It also has a Stereo phono AUX input!

According to this Hungarian site, it also uses AD 827SQ opamps 6 pcs total ($26+ opamp)
I guess it will not come cheap!

http://ipon.hu/hir/asus_essence_iii_celkeresztben_a_vajtfuluek/27271

I own the Asus Essence One, and I have been very happy with it from day one!
But I have modified my I/V section so it uses a passive resistor network for current to voltage conversion. This sounds very analog compared to Opamp I/V.

I have been missing the possibility to remotely adjust the volumen level, and now the Essence III seems to have this, so I am considering to buy this nice looking preamp!

The AnalogDevices AD1955 is also a sweet sounding DAC Chip, I have the AD1955 Eval board with one AD1955 and AD797 opamps.

Cheers
Flemming Bach
Denmark!

Welcome aboard to TPU
So Asus decided to dump NE 5532 and switch to AD827.It appears Asus try to address some harsh sound over the previous Essence.
AD797
One of the rarest and the best opamp out there...is it AD 797 BRZ or AD 797 ANZ?

 

[BachAudioDK]

Thank you!

Well the AD1955 eval board uses the PDIP version of AD797, so I think it must be the ANZ version. See attached picture.

I think the AD827SQ would be better as I/V converter opamp due to the much faster settling time and larger slewrate (300V/us vs. 20 V/us of AD797 vs. 9V/us of NE5532)

I would say that my personal choice for I/V would be a passiv resistor I/V stage.
On both my Essence One and Essence STX soundcard I have replaced the I/V opamp with passive resistor I/V with negative current bias to V- so the Vout is centered to approx zero volt. This gives a very pleasant and airy treble in my ears. Very close to my analog LP setup.

I would recommend you to read Nelson Pass´s thoughts on using Opamps as I/V converter, vs. discreet I/V.

https://www.passdiy.com/gallery/other/zen-i-v-converter

Im a bit concerned that the Essence III would cost a lot more that I can afford at the moment and I hate to sell my Essence I to upgrade (you can never get too many amplfiers )

 

[Random Murderer]

(you can never get too many amplfiers )

Agreed.

 

[gungstar]

I own the Asus Essence One, and I have been very happy with it from day one!
But I have modified my I/V section so it uses a passive resistor network for current to voltage conversion. This sounds very analog compared to Opamp I/V

please share details about this mod: photos, parts you used